C.J. Wells watches over a class from TCC as they take a spin on the pottery wheels at 3rd Street Clayworks.

Chris Howell, NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OKLAHOMA -- Just east of downtown you'll find 3rd Street Clayworks, a studio where C.J. "Jeff" Wells teaches aspiring ceramic artists the joys of working with clay.

"We opened up about seven years ago as a teaching studio rather than just as a production studio," said Jeff. "In fact the class here right now is a TCC class, the students come over here to take the class."

Wells teaches the fundamentals of the kilns, glazes and pottery wheel and allows the students to learn how to express themselves while working with the clay. TCC student Shawna Barr found one of the exercises Jeff had the class do that day very helpful.

"We had to use five on-pound balls of clay to make five cylinders," said Shawna, "it was really hard and stressful to get things done on time."

Finding the balance between the fast pace of production pottery and handmade artistry is something the student must struggle with, but at the end of the last firing they have both a new skill-set and some examples of their ceramic artistry.

"Everybody that I've talked to is really excited," said student Mary Ulmer. "Can't wait to see what I've been making but I think I'll have lots of Christmas presents this year, so that will be good."

3rd Street Clayworks is located at 1001 East 3rd Street in Tulsa. For more information visit its Facebook page here

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